Plot: At the end of his career, a clueless fashion model is brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Tagline – 3% Body Fat. 1% Brain Activity.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

There may be spoilers the rest of the review

Verdict: Still Funny

Story: Zoolander starts when world famous model Derek Zoolander (Stiller) loses his title of Best Male Model to Hansel (Wilson) the new hip model that is one with the world. looking to find himself in the world, he first tries to return home, to his coal mining family, but after.

When that doesn’t go to plan the controversial fashion design Mugatu (Ferrell) hires him for his latest line, only for him to be selected to kill the Malaysian Prime Minister that has abolished the child labour laws. Derek must team up with Hansel to stop this happening.

Thoughts on Zoolander

Characters – Derek Zoolander is the world’s most famous male model, he has nearly zero brain intelligence relying on his one look to keep him on top. His career has started to go downhill with new model Hansel coming into the business, which leads to Mugatu brainwashing him into assassinate the Prime Minister Malaysia. Hansel is the new model on the block, he has taken Derek’s crown as best male model, he is very out there with his worldly ideas to everything, relaxed in each moment. He is a rival to Derek in the fashion world. Matilda is a reporter that has been working on stories around Derek, she learns that there is a bigger conspiracy going on and joins forces with Derek to solve the situation. Mugatu is the fashion designer that has been hosting shows with his models taking out problems to the fashion world

Performances – Ben Stiller was on his best form when it comes to full comedy here, he commits to this role to get the full comical levels needed. Owen Wilson is great too because you can see him as this trippy like model that only he can do. Christine Taylor works well in her role getting the serious side of the story over while the rest handle the comedy. Will Ferrell seems to have his first wildly over the top character here and it works for the whole film.

Story – The story takes us into the world of male modelling, I still believe this might be the only one to do that. We have the idea that the powers that be are controlling governments to keep money pouring into the industry through illegal activities and now they are facing the need to eliminate a threat which brings in models, a disposable figure to do the murdering, this idea is as wild as it sounds, but it works go well on this level because it keeps everything feeling fresh and adds to the comical side to the story.

Comedy – The comedy is mostly poking fun at the idea of the intelligence levels of models, we have always had jokes at the women models being dumb, this focuses on the male models being dumb.

Settings – Mostly set in and around New York, the film uses the settings to keep us in the busy fashion capital of America, which is where the story needs to be told from.

Scene of the Movie – Getting in the computer.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – Certain jokes no longer work for political correct behaviour.

Final Thoughts – This is a funny comedy that has still lasted the test of time, the jokes mostly hit and the character is strangely still one of Stiller’s most iconic figures in modern comedy.

Plot: On the verge of giving up on life, a guy travels to his hometown to make amends.

Tagline – Ending it all was only the beginning.Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

There may be spoilers the rest of the review

Verdict: Moving Story

Story: Just Before I Go starts as Ted Morgan (Scott) fills in the reasons why he returned home to kill himself, the average life he has been living and the recent break up, first he wants to return home to confront the people that pushed him back in his hometown, before he goes.

Staying with his brother Lucky (Dillahunt) and his family, he sets his plan in motion until he meets Greta (Thirlby) who wants to document this situation.

Thoughts on Just Before I Go

Characters – Ted Morgan was a dreamer in high school, but he was bullied and as soon as he was old enough he left town, he lived a normal life, in a normal employment role, but after his wife cheats on him, he decides he wants to confront his past before killing himself. Ted is the average man that never became the guy he thought he would, middle-aged and alone facing a reality he doesn’t want to be here anymore. Greta is a stranger to Ted, she wants to record document the motivation behind Ted’s choice and to try and help him find a direction. Lucky is the older brother that never put his arm around his younger brother when he was younger. This movie has wonderful characters that have affected Ted’s life in different ways.

Performances – Seann William Scott is an actor I grew up watching his comedies, but he seemed to fade away, this performance seems to be a career highlight for him, he keeps everything calm through the film which is something that is important for this role and something new for him. Olivia Thirlby is great in the supporting role too which is the type of role we can see her doing a lot. Garret is an actor you can always find in good supporting roles and this is no different.

Story – The story here follows one man who sees his life going nowhere and wants to face his past before killing himself, this is a simple side to everything, we end up dealing with a lot of everyday issues about treating people equally, dealing with the fine line between loneliness and emptiness, as well as showing that other people close to you will have their own problems. For me this is one of the most underrated stories I have seen and having been through elements of these issues I could relate to as well.

Comedy – The movie has moments of comedy, but doesn’t rely on the comedy which is something I was happy with, the drama was the main part of the film.

Settings – The film takes our character back to his own home town which shows how many people might not leave and still make a life for themselves, the settings work for the going down memory lane.

Scene of the Movie – On top of the world.

That Moment That Annoyed Me – The sister-in-law is difficult to talk seriously and we don’t need her weakness.

Final Thoughts – This is a movie that hit home hard for me, I can understand Ted’s mentality and difficulties which makes this a film I wish more people could see.

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